User-configurable indication device for use with an on-demand service

ABSTRACT

A system and method for configuring an indication device is described. An on-demand service system arranges a transport service for a user to be provided by a driver. The system determines whether the user has specified an output configuration for an indication device in an account of the user. In response to determining that the user has specified an output configuration for the indication device, the system identifies data corresponding to the output configuration and transmits the data to a driver device of the driver to enable the driver device to control the indication device of the driver based on the data.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/994,722, filed May 16, 2014, titled USER-CONFIGURABLEINDICATION DEVICE FOR USE WITH AN ON-DEMAND SERVICE; the aforementionedapplication being incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

An on-demand service system can arrange for an on-demand service to beprovided for a requesting user by a service provider. In some examples,the on-demand service system can provide information relevant to therequesting user to the service provider for purposes of assisting theservice provider in performing the on-demand service.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system to provide configurationinformation for controlling an indication device for use with anon-demand service.

FIGS. 2A through 2R illustrate example indication devices for use withan on-demand service.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method for providing configurationinformation for controlling an indication device for use with anon-demand service.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are example user interfaces depicting a serviceapplication that is operated on a computing device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system upon whichexamples described herein may be implemented.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram that illustrates a mobile computing deviceupon which examples described herein may be implemented.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram that illustrates an indication device uponwhich examples described herein may be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples described herein provide for a system that can automaticallyconfigure an indication device (or a display device) for use with anon-demand service. As referred to herein, an indication device is adevice that is capable of providing illumination, displaying content,and/or outputting audio, and that can be positioned or fastened, forexample, on or within a vehicle operated by a service provider (e.g., atransport service provider, a delivery provider, etc.). Such anindication device can be positioned to be easily visible to a user orpositioned proximate to a particular entry or door of the vehicle toindicate to the user where to enter. The system can use informationspecified or configured by a user of an on-demand service to cause theindication device to dynamically adjust the output for a predefinedduration of time. Examples of features that can be configured by a userinclude a color(s), a pattern(s), an illumination sequence(s), text,visual content, video, and/or audio. In this manner, when the serviceprovider approaches a user for purposes of providing the on-demandservice, the indication device can be dynamically configured andpersonalized in a manner specified and recognizable by the user, therebyinforming the user which vehicle has been assigned to the user toprovide the on-demand service.

According to some examples, a transport personalization system can be apart of or be in communication with the on-demand service system. In oneexample, the on-demand service system can arrange a transport servicefor a user by receiving a request for transport from the user's device,selecting a driver from a plurality of available drivers to perform thetransport service for that user, sending an invitation to the selecteddriver's device, and receiving an acceptance of the invitation by theselected driver. The on-demand service system can associate anidentifier of the user and an identifier of the driver with an entry forthat transport service. Once the on-demand service system arranges thetransport service for the user and the driver, the transportpersonalization system can access a user database to determine whetherthat user has specified an output configuration for an indication device(e.g., determine whether the user has personalized at least one aspectof the transport service). For example, the transport personalizationsystem can determine if the user has specified an output configurationin the user's account. If the user has specified an outputconfiguration, the transport personalization system can identify datacorresponding to the output configuration and transmit the data to thedriver device of the driver that is to provide the transport service forthe user. In the case where the driver is in possession of and uses anindication device, the data can enable the driver device to control theindication device using the data, such as during at least a duration ofthe transport service (e.g., while the transport service is in progressfor that user). In such an example, once the transport service iscompleted for the user, the driver device can be instructed or caused tono longer control the indication device using the user's outputconfiguration.

As described herein, the output configuration for an indication devicecan specify the manner in which the indication device is to output oremit light or content. Depending on implementation, the outputconfiguration can specify one or more colors of light to be outputted bythe indication device, one or more patterns in which light is to beoutputted by the indication device, and/or one or more sequences ofillumination in which light is to be outputted by the indication device,so that different portions of the indication device can be illuminatedat different times. A user can access the user's account via a portal onthe user's computing device, such as through use of a webpage or adesignated client service application in communication with theon-demand service system and/or the transport personalization system, inorder to configure the output configuration.

Still further, in some examples, the on-demand service system and/or thetransport personalization system (collectively referred to herein as thesystem), can monitor the transport service to determine the state of thetransport service. In some examples, the transport service can be inprogress for a user from the time the selected driver accepts aninvitation to perform the transport service or from the time theselected driver begins to travel from a position in which the selecteddriver accepted the invitation until the transport service has beencompleted by the driver (e.g., the driver has dropped off the user atthe user's destination). The system can monitor the transport serviceusing information received from the driver device (e.g., periodically orintermittently from driver user input), such as from a driver serviceapplication operating on the driver device, and/or information about thetransport service (e.g., the pickup location and/or the destinationlocation specified by the user). Depending on implementation, the systemcan transmit the data corresponding to the output configuration to thedriver device during the progress of the transport service, but beforethe driver arrives at the pickup location specified by the user in theuser's request for the transport service.

In some variations, the indication device (also referred to herein as alighting or illumination device) can have different housing shapes orfeatures to be fixed to a vehicle. For example, an indication device caninclude a body, a power source or power input port to receive power froma power source, a communication interface, and a base. Depending onimplementation, the body can be formed of a translucent,semi-transparent, or transparent material that can be at least partiallyilluminated by a light source. As an addition or an alternative, thebody can include or be formed as a display device that can outputcontent (e.g., a flat panel display). In either examples, the body canbe shaped to have at least one surface that is substantially flat andcan have dimensions in which its length is substantially larger (e.g.,two or more times larger) than both its height and its width, and/or itsheight is substantially larger (e.g., two or more times larger) than itswidth (e.g., the body can be in the shape of a blade). The body canprovide illumination and/or output content that is customized based onthe user-specified output configuration information.

The body can also be coupled to a base that extends at least partiallyalong the length of the body. The base can include one or more fasteningmechanisms or structures to enable the indication device to be coupledor fastened (e.g., either permanently or temporarily) to a vehicle. Inone example, the base can also house one or more components of theindication device, such as a communication interface, a light source, apower source or a port for the power source, a light or displaycontroller, wires or connection components, etc. The communicationinterface can enable the indication device to communicate (e.g.,wirelessly or via a wire or cable) with the driver device to receiveconfiguration data.

In another example, the indication device can have a body that has alength, a width, and a height, with its length being substantiallygreater (e.g., two or more times larger) than its width and its height,but its width being greater than its height. The body can have a firstfaçade or surface that extends along the length and the width of thebody. The body can also house one or more light sources to illuminate atleast a portion of the first façade. The indication device can include abase that is coupled to the body and that extends along at least aportion of the length of the body and at least a portion of the width ofthe body. The indication device can also include one or more fasteningmechanisms to enable the illumination device to adhere to a surface suchthat the first façade of the body faces the surface. Such a surface canbe an interior surface of a window of a vehicle or a windshield. Theindication device can communicate with the driver's device using acommunication interface (e.g., wireless and/or a wire/cable) so that thecontroller device can receive data from the driver's device in order tocontrol the one or more light sources. In this manner, when the driver'sdevice receives the data corresponding to a user's output configuration,the driver's device can provide control signals to the indication deviceto control the manner in which the indication device outputs or emitslight.

As used herein, a client device, a driver device, and/or a computingdevice refer to devices corresponding to desktop computers, cellulardevices or smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptopcomputers, tablet devices, television (IP Television), etc., that canprovide network connectivity and processing resources for communicatingwith a notification system and/or a dispatch system over a network. Adriver device can also correspond to other devices of a transit object,such as an in-vehicle computing system, or custom hardware, etc. Theclient device and/or the driver device can also each operate adesignated service application that is configured to communicate withthe on-demand service system and/or the transport personalizationsystem. Still further, while some examples described herein relate totransport services, the systems describe herein can be used to provideother on-demand services, such as a food truck service, a deliveryservice, an entertainment service, etc.

One or more examples described herein provide that methods, techniques,and actions performed by a computing device are performedprogrammatically, or as a computer-implemented method. Programmatically,as used herein, means through the use of code or computer-executableinstructions. These instructions can be stored in one or more memoryresources of the computing device. A programmatically performed step mayor may not be automatic.

One or more examples described herein can be implemented usingprogrammatic modules, engines, or components. A programmatic module,engine, or component can include a program, a sub-routine, a portion ofa program, or a software component or a hardware component capable ofperforming one or more stated tasks or functions. As used herein, amodule or component can exist on a hardware component independently ofother modules or components. Alternatively, a module or component can bea shared element or process of other modules, programs or machines.

Some examples described herein can generally require the use ofcomputing devices, including processing and memory resources. Examplesdescribed herein may be implemented, in whole or in part, on computingdevices such as servers, desktop computers, cellular or smartphones,personal digital assistants (e.g., PDAs), laptop computers, printers,network equipments (e.g., routers) and tablet devices. Memory,processing, and network resources may all be used in connection with theestablishment, use, or performance of any example described herein(including with the performance of any method or with the implementationof any system).

Furthermore, one or more examples described herein may be implementedthrough the use of instructions that are executable by one or moreprocessors. These instructions may be carried on a computer-readablemedium. Machines shown or described with figures below provide examplesof processing resources and computer-readable mediums on whichinstructions for implementing examples can be carried and/or executed.In particular, the numerous machines shown with examples includeprocessor(s) and various forms of memory for holding data andinstructions. Examples of computer-readable mediums include permanentmemory storage devices, such as hard drives on personal computers orservers. Other examples of computer storage mediums include portablestorage units, such as CD or DVD units, flash memory (such as carried onsmartphones, multifunctional devices or tablets), and magnetic memory.Computers, terminals, network enabled devices (e.g., mobile devices,such as cell phones) are all examples of machines and devices thatutilize processors, memory, and instructions stored on computer-readablemediums. Additionally, examples may be implemented in the form ofcomputer-programs, or a computer usable carrier medium capable ofcarrying such a program.

System Description

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system to provide configurationinformation for controlling an indication device for use with anon-demand service. According to an example, a personalization system,such as the system 100 of FIG. 1, can provide a mechanism that enables auser to control what is illuminated or displayed on an indication devicethat is in possession by a service provider. For example, the indicationdevice can be a lighting or display device that is fastened to avehicle, so that when the vehicle approaches the user for pick up, theindication device can illuminate a color (and/or in an illuminationsequence) specified by the user, thereby indicating to the user whichvehicle the user is to enter.

In one example, the system 100 can include a personalization management110, a client device interface 120, a driver device interface 130, and aclient database 140. The system 100 can be a part of or communicate withan on-demand service system and/or can include other components ordatabases, such as a configuration database, which are not illustratedin FIG. 1 for purpose of simplicity. The components of the system 100can combine to enable a user that requests an on-demand service toconfigure an indication device operated by a service provider (e.g., alighting device 170) for use with the on-demand service (e.g., before orafter requesting the on-demand service). Logic can be implemented withvarious applications (e.g., software) and/or with firmware or hardwareof a computer system that implements the system 100.

Depending on implementation, one or more components of the system 100can be implemented on a computing device, such as a server, laptop, PC,etc., or on multiple computing devices that can communicate with theclient devices 150 and the driver devices 160 over one or more networks.In some examples, a computing device can operate or execute anapplication to perform one or more of the processes described by thevarious components of the system 100. The system 100 can also beimplemented through other computer systems in alternative architectures(e.g., peer-to-peer networks, etc.).

The system 100 can communicate, over one or more networks via a networkinterface (e.g., wirelessly or using a wire), with the client devices150 (e.g., mobile computing devices operated by clients orusers/customers) and the driver devices 160 (e.g., mobile computingdevices operated by drivers) using a client device interface 120 and adriver device interface 130, respectively. The client and driver deviceinterfaces 120, 130 can enable and manage communications between thesystem 100 and each of the client and driver devices 150, 160. In someexamples, each of the client devices 150 and the driver devices 160 canindividually operate a designated service application 151, 161,respectively, that interfaces with the respective device interfaces 120,130 to communicate with system 100. According to some examples, theapplications can include or use an application programming interface(API), such as an externally facing API, to communicate data with thedevice interfaces 120, 130. The externally facing API can provide accessto system 100 via secure access channels over the network through anynumber of methods, such as web-based forms, programmatic access viarestful APIs, Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), remote procedurecall (RPC), scripting access, etc.

As described herein, the system 100 can be a part of or communicate withan on-demand service system, such as a dispatch system of the on-demandservice system (not shown in FIG. 1). Examples of an on-demand servicecan include a transport service, a food truck service, a deliveryservice, a traveling entertainment service, etc. A dispatch system for atransport service, for example, can receive requests from usersoperating client devices and arrange for transport services to beprovided to the users by service providers (e.g., drivers). The driverdevices 160 can provide current or real-time information about thedrivers to the dispatch system and/or the system 100, and based, atleast in part, on the driver information, the dispatch system candetermine the pricing for the transport service in a given geographicregion, can select a driver for a requesting user, can determine if thetransport service has been successfully completed, etc. In addition,when a transport service is arranged for a user, the system 100 canreceive transport information 111 about the transport service from theon-demand service system and determine whether to transmituser-specified configuration data to the driver device of the driverselected to provide the transport service. The configuration data canenable the driver device to control the driver's indication device forthe user.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a driver device 160 can be in communicationwith an indication device 170. A driver of a vehicle that operates thedriver device 160, for example, can be in possession of the indicationdevice 170, which can be fixed or fastened (e.g., permanently ortemporarily) to the vehicle. The indication device 170 can include acommunication interface that enables the indication device 170 toconnect to the driver device 160 wirelessly and/or using a wire(s) orcable(s). For example, the driver device 160 can wirelessly communicatewith the indication device 170 using a Bluetooth protocol. As anaddition or an alternative, the indication device 170 can be incommunication with system 100 to be controlled by operations of thesystem 100 (e.g., over one or more networks or via the driver device160). The indication device 170 can include an output device, such as anillumination mechanism or a display, that can output or emit light ordisplay content based on user-specified configurations.

According to some examples, the personalization management 110 canreceive the transport information 111 of the arranged transport servicefrom the dispatch system when the transport service is arranged for auser and a driver. The transport information 111 can include (i) anidentifier (ID) corresponding to the arranged transport service, (ii) anidentifier of the user and/or the client device 150 receiving thetransport service, (iii) an identifier of the driver and/or the driverdevice 160 providing the transport service, and/or (iv) statusinformation about the driver with respect to the transport service.Depending on implementation, the personalization management 110 canreceive the transport information 111 in response to the transportservice being initially arranged by the dispatch system. Thepersonalization management 110 can determine when and whether totransmit configuration information specified by the user for anindication device 170 to the driver. The personalization management 110can also receive the status information of the driver (e.g.,periodically or in response to changes to the driver's statusinformation) during a duration from when the transport service isarranged until completion of the transport service.

When the personalization management 110 receives the transportinformation 111, the personalization management 110 can use the user IDto access the client database 140. The client database 140 can store aplurality of client profiles 141 (or client accounts) for each user thathas an account with the on-demand service system. A client profile 141can include (or be associated with) a user identifier, contactinformation, payment/billing information, device and/or the serviceapplication 151 information (e.g., version information), userpreferences, historical information about previous transport servicesprovided for the user, etc. The user preferences can be configured bythe user and can include indication (or sign) preferences, such ascolor, text, pattern, illumination sequence, media content, etc.,related to the output of an indication device.

The personalization management 110 can perform a lookup of the clientprofile 141 (e.g., using the user's ID or user's device ID) anddetermine if the user has specified an output configuration for anindication device. If the user has specified (e.g., in the userpreferences) the output configuration, the personalization management110 can determine and/or retrieve the configuration data 145corresponding to the specified configuration for that user. In oneexample, the personalization management 110 can receive informationabout the output configuration from the client profile 141 and retrievethe configuration data 145 from a configuration database. On the otherhand, if the personalization management 110 determines that the user hasnot specified an output configuration, the personalization management110 can transmit a message or a prompt (e.g., an in-application messagedisplayed by the service application 151 or a text message) to theuser's client device 150 informing the user that the user can configureone or more indication preferences. If the user operates the serviceapplication 151 and provides indication preferences, the personalizationmanagement 110 can receive the user's preferences and store thepreferences with the user's profile 141 in the client database 140. Ifthe user does not provide indication preferences, however, thepersonalization management 110 can store or maintain default indicationpreferences in the user's profile 141. In some examples, thepersonalization management 110 can perform these steps after thetransport service has been arranged but before the driver has arrived atthe pick up location and/or before the driver has initiated thetransport service.

The personalization management 110 can transmit the user's configurationdata 145 corresponding to the user's indication preferences (or defaultconfiguration data if the user has not specified indication preferences)to the driver device 160. For example, the personalization management110 can determine the driver that is to provide the transport service byidentifying the driver's ID from the transport information 111.Depending on implementation, if there is no configuration data 145 forindication preferences specified by the user, the personalizationmanagement 110 can transmit default configuration data to the driverdevice 160 or transmit a message (without sending default configurationdata) indicating to the driver's service application 161 operating onthe driver device 160 that the driver's own configuration data ordefault configuration data is to be used for controlling the indicationdevice 170.

The driver device 160 can run the service application 161 for purposesof communicating with the on-demand service system (and/or the system100). For example, the driver can operate the service application 161when the driver is ready or available to provide transport services. Theservice application 161 can also enable the driver device 160 tocommunicate with the indication device 170 using the communicationinterfaces of the driver device 160 and the indication device 170. Inone example, the driver device 160 and the indication device 170 cancommunicate with each other using a Bluetooth protocol or using anothershort range wireless technology protocol. In another example, the driverdevice 160 and the indication device 170 can communicate with each otherover a wire or cable. The service application 161 can receive theconfiguration data 145 from the system 100 and control the indicationdevice 170 using the configuration data 145 via one or more controlsignals over the communication interfaces of the driver device 160 andthe indication device 170. In one example, the indication device 170 caninclude a device controller that provides control signals to the lightsource or display of the indication device 170 based on theconfiguration data 145.

The service application 161 can also receive invitations for transportservices from the on-demand service system and provide locationinformation and/or status information of the driver to the on-demandservice system. The service application 161 can interface withcomponents of the driver device 160, such as the global positioningsystem (GPS) component of the driver device 160 to determine a currentposition or location of the driver device 160. In one example, after(and before) the driver accepts the invitation to provide the transportservice for the user via interaction with the service application 161,the driver device 160 can periodically transmit GPS location data pointsto the on-demand service system (and/or the system 100).

According to an example, the on-demand service system can determinedifferent states of the transport service or the driver by usinginformation received from the service application 161. As referred toherein, a state of the transport service or a state of the driver canrefer to the current condition of the driver when providing transportservice. A driver can be in one of a plurality of different states thatinclude, for example: (i) unavailable (e.g., off duty), (ii) available(e.g., on duty) but not yet providing transport service, (iii) en routeto the pickup location of the user after accepting an invitation fortransport service, (iv) arriving at the pickup location (e.g., thedriver is approaching the pickup location), (v) on trip (e.g., the userhas entered the vehicle, the transport service has begun), or (vi)completed trip (e.g., the driver has completed the transport service bydropping off the user at the user's destination location). The stateinformation used by the on-demand service system to keep track of thedriver, determine whether it can select the driver for a transportservice, determine how long and how far the driver has driven the userfor purposes of determining the fare, etc. Depending on examples, thedriver operating the driver device 160 (and in possession of theindication device 170) can indicate what state the driver is currentlyin by providing input to the service application 161 (e.g., input thatthe driver has accepted the invitation, that the driver is approachingthe user, that the driver has completed the transport service, etc.).The service application 161 can provide state information to theon-demand service system.

In another example, the on-demand service system can use locationinformation from the driver's device 160 and/or the transportinformation 111 to automatically determine the driver's state or thestate of the transport service. For example, the on-demand servicesystem can determine that the driver is en route to the pickup locationin response to receiving the acceptance of the invitation from thedriver device 160 and/or in response to determining that the driver haschanged positions (from GPS data of the driver device 160) since theacceptance. In another example, the on-demand service system canprogrammatically determine that the driver is arriving at the pickuplocation or has reached the pickup location by comparing the locationdata of the driver with the specified pickup location of the user (e.g.,if the driver's position is within a predetermined distance of theuser's current location or the pickup location). Still further,similarly, the on-demand service system can programmatically determinethat the driver has completed the transport service by comparing thelocation data of the driver with the specified destination location ofthe user, if provided. Accordingly, in variations, the on-demand servicesystem can provide the state information to the service application 161and/or the service application 161 can provide the state information tothe on-demand service system. In this manner, in either examples, theservice application 161 and the system 100 can recognize the state ofthe transport service or the driver.

According to some examples, based on the state of the transport serviceor the driver, the system 100 and/or the service application 161 cancontrol the operation of the indication device 170. As described herein,the system 100 can provide the configuration data 145 for the particularuser to the selected driver's device 160 for use during the specifictransport service. In this manner, when that driver completes thetransport service, he or she can receive another invitation fortransport service for another user, and receive, if any, theconfiguration data 145 for the other user during the progress of anothertransport service. During the progress of the transport service, theservice application 161 can use the state information to control theindication device 170 to output different colors, content, patterns,etc., based on the state of the transport service or the driver. Inother words, based on the indicated state (e.g., arriving now or ontrip), the service application 161 can tailor the output of theindication device 170.

For example, the configuration data 145 of the user preference canspecify that a blue color to be outputted by the indication device 170.When the driver accepts a transport request and is en route to the pickup location of the user for the transport service, the serviceapplication 161 can cause the indication device 170 to output a defaultcolor or be turned off to conserve power because the user will not yetsee the vehicle or the indication device 170. At a time when the driveris approaching the pickup location, the driver can input on the serviceapplication 161 that the driver is close to the user's pickup locationor the service application 161 and/or the on-demand service system candetermine that the driver's current location is within a predetermineddistance of the pickup location of the user. The state of the transportservice can correspond to the driver “arriving now.” When the serviceapplication 161 determines that the transport service is to changestates from “en route” to “arriving now,” for example, the serviceapplication 161 can trigger or control the indication device to outputthe user's specified color, e.g., blue, (and/or other preferred outputcontent, patterns, or sequences) so that the user can see which vehicleis approaching and will provide the service for the user. The serviceapplication 161 can also control the indication device to output theuser's specified display/output preferences in a specific configurationthat is based on the transport state.

As an addition or an alternative, the system 100 can receive informationabout the transport state from the service application 161 and thepersonalization management 110 can use the configuration data 145 of theuser preference to control the indication device 170 based on thetransport state (e.g., as opposed to the service application 161controlling the indication device 170). For example, the indicationdevice 170 can include network resources to be in communication withsystem 100 over one or more networks (and/or via the driver device 160).In such an example, the system 100 can control the output of theindication device 170 without input provided by the driver operating thedriver device 160.

In this manner, by enabling the user to provide user-specifiedpreferences for the indication device 170, the system 100 can providethe user with a personalized on-demand service experience. In addition,in some situations, such as during darkness or when the user is at acrowded street corner or area (e.g., an airport) and waiting for thevehicle, the personalized experience can indicate to the user whichvehicle is the user's vehicle for purposes of the transport service. Theindication device 170 can show the user's specified color, content,pattern, etc., so that in a group of vehicles, the user can easilydetermine which vehicle to enter. Still further, the indication device170 can also display or include features, such as a trademark or name,associated with the on-demand service provider, thereby providing brandrecognition for the on-demand service provider.

As an addition or an alternative, the indication device 170 can alsoinclude other components or sensors, such as a GPS receiver and/or aninertial measurement unit (INU). These components or sensors can be usedto periodically determine real-time conditions of the vehicle while theindication device 170 is powered on and in operation. The indicationdevice 170 can provide to the driver device 160, via one or morecommunication interfaces, data determined from the components or sensors(referred to herein as indication device information 131). The serviceapplication 161 can store the indication device information 131 in amemory resource and/or concurrently provide the indication deviceinformation 131 to the on-demand service system and/or the system 100.The indication device information 131 can be used by the on-demandservice system to complement or supplement data corresponding to atransport service or to determine, with higher accuracy, the bearing,the movement, the direction of movement, etc. of the driver's vehicle(before, after, or during transport service).

Indication Device Examples

FIGS. 2A through 2R illustrate example indication devices for use withan on-demand service. The example indication devices described in FIGS.2A through 2R can correspond to the indication device 170 described withan example of FIG. 1. In one example, FIGS. 2A through 2J illustrate anindication device that can be positioned on top of a surface of avehicle. In another example, FIGS. 2K through 2R illustrate anindication device that can be positioned within a vehicle. While theexamples of FIGS. 2A through 2R depict the indication devices havingspecific configurations, an indication device can be constructed to havea variety of different shapes or sizes.

FIG. 2A illustrates an indication device 200 including a body 205 and abase 210 (other components are not shown in FIG. 2A for purpose ofsimplicity). The body 205 can be formed of a translucent,semi-transparent, or transparent material that can be at least partiallyilluminated by one or more light sources. The light source(s) can behoused in the body 205 and/or the base 210. As an addition or analternative, the body 205 can include or be formed as a display devicethat can output content (e.g., a flat panel display, such as an LCDdisplay or LED display). Based on control signals provided by acontroller or a circuit of the indication device 200, the body 205 canilluminate light (e.g., via the light source) and/or display content ina specified manner. For example, the body 205 can illuminate in aparticular color (e.g., blue), illuminate a particular pattern (e.g.,hash pattern, polka dot), and/or illuminate in a particular sequence(e.g., blink periodically, fade in or fade out). The body 205 can beformed (e.g., manufactured) in different shapes, such as a rectangularshape, trapezoidal shape, a slightly curved shape along a portion of thelength of the body 205, etc. The base 210 can also be shaped inaccordance with the body 205 and/or have at least a curved shape tomatch a curvature of a roof or upper region of a door of a vehicle.

In some examples, the body 205 can be shaped to have an overall length,L, that is substantially greater than the overall height, H, and theoverall width, W (see FIG. 2D or 2E). In addition, in one example, theheight can also be substantially greater than the width, so that thebody 205 is in the shape of a blade. For example, the overall length canbe three, four, or five, etc., times greater than the overall height,while the overall height is three, four, or five, etc., times greaterthan the overall width. In this manner, the body 205 can have a surfacethat extends along the length and height, thereby providing a largesurface area that can be at least partially illuminated.

In the examples described in FIGS. 2A through 2J, a light source(s) canbe provided or arranged within the body 205, along the edge of the body205, and/or within the base 210 to illuminate the body 205 in a lightingor output configuration indicated by a user. For example, a light sourceor plurality of lights sources, such as an LED strip can be providedunderneath the body 205 along a bottom edge of the body 205 (not shownin FIG. 2A), but within the base 210. The LED strip can be controlled,based on the output configuration data, to illuminate in a specificmanner, thereby providing lighting on the body 205 and/or along the edgeor perimeter of the body 205 (e.g., edge lighting). The body 205 canhave a textured perimeter along its edge in order to enhance the edgelighting. In another example, light sources can be provided along theedge of the body 205 to provide edge lighting.

Referring to FIG. 2B, another example indication device 220 isillustrated in which the body 205 can include additional features forpurposes of visually enhancing light configurations for a particularuser. In one example, the body 205 can include an overlaying film 215having a particular shape or design corresponding to an icon ortrademark of the on-demand service provider. The overlaying film 215 canbe positioned on a surface of the body 205 and can be formed of amaterial to cause light to be outputted, for example, in a moreprominent fashion, in the region of the film 215. In this manner, whenthe light source(s) of the indication device 200 is controlled based onthe output configuration, the body 205 can illuminate both theedge/perimeter of the body 205 and the overlaying film 215 prominently.

Another example of the indication device 230 is illustrated in FIG. 2C,in which the body 205 is unitarily formed or manufactured to include agap 235 or recessed portion. The gap 235 can also be formed to have ashape of an icon or trademark of the on-demand service provider. Whenthe indication device 230 is illuminated, for example, edge lighting canbe provided along the perimeter of the body 205, including the perimeteralong the gap 235. As another example, a separate lighting device and/ormaterial can also be inserted in the gap 235 for purposes of enhancingillumination (similar to FIG. 2B, for example, but instead of a film,the separate lighting device and/or material can be shaped to fit insidethe gap 235).

FIGS. 2D and 2E illustrate a side view of an indication device, such asdescribed in FIGS. 1, 2A through 2C, and 2F through 2J. In FIG. 2D, theindication device 200 has a body 205 that is substantially flat alongits length (e.g., flat faces) to maximize the edge lighting and/or thesurface area for display and/or illumination. As seen in FIG. 2D, in oneexample, the overall width of the body 205 is substantially smaller thanthe overall height of the body 205 (and the overall length of the body205 as seen in FIG. 2A). By minimizing the thickness or width of thebody 205, the overall weight and bulkiness of the indication device 200can also be minimized, thereby reducing the amount of force or fasteninggrip needed to fasten the indication device 200 to a vehicle.

Another benefit for shaping the body 205 to have the exemplarydimensions is to reduce the amount of material (e.g., plastic, glass,etc.) necessary for manufacturing the indication device 200, whilemaintaining a large surface area for purposes of maximizing lighting.Still further, reducing the overall size and weight of the indicationdevice 200 can enable a service provider to easily and quickly fasten orremove the indication device 200 from the vehicle (e.g., the driver cando it by himself or herself). This can be important as a driver canquickly fasten the indication device 200 to the roof of his vehicle, forexample, when the driver is electing to go on-duty (e.g., be availableto provide transport services), and similarly, quickly remove theindication device 200 when the driver will go off-duty.

Referring back to FIG. 2D, a cross sectional view of an exemplaryindication device 200 illustrates the body 205 being inserted and heldby a base 210. The body 205 can be inserted, fastened, removed, etc.,from the base 210. The base 210 includes a fastening component 212 inwhich the base 210 can be fastened to a roof 240, for example, of avehicle. The base 210 can be configured to maintain the body 205 in aspecific position or orientation (e.g., the body 205 is maintained at afixed angle relative to the roof 240 of the vehicle).

In another example, in FIG. 2E, a cross sectional view of an exemplaryindication device 200 illustrates the body 205 being able to pivotrelative to the roof 240 of the vehicle. In this example, the base 210can include a locking mechanism 214, such as a locking set screw(s), toallow the body 205 to be pivoted in either direction relative to thebase 210 and/or the fastening component 212. The locking mechanism 214can enable the indication device 200 to be configured on a case-by-casebasis, so that a driver who operates one type of vehicle (and has a roof240 with a different surface shape than another type of vehicle) canadjust the angle of the body 205.

FIG. 2F illustrates an indication device 260 showing components of thebase 210 in one example. According to an example, the base 210 can holdthe body 205 in place, while also providing a mechanism to maintain theindication device 260 in a proper position or orientation. For example,the base 210 can include a covering and underneath the covering, acompressible foam spacer 265 and a foot 270. The compressible foamspacer 265 can provide cushioning between the body 205 and the bottom ofthe base 210 and/or the roof of the vehicle (not shown) so that when thebody 205 moves slightly during movement of the vehicle, the body 205 canbe cushioned from being damaged. The foot 270 can be coupled to the base210 and/or the body 205 at a pivot point to enable the foot 270 to moveto fit the contours/shape of the different roofs of vehicles. In oneexample, the foot 270 can also include or one or more fasteningcomponents, such as a physical latching device and/or a magneticcomponent(s), to engage and fasten the base 210 to the roof of thevehicle. The base 210 may have multiple feet 270, though only one isillustrated in FIG. 2F (e.g., a second foot on the right side of theindication device 260).

FIG. 2G illustrates another example of an indication device 280, similarto the indication device 230 of FIG. 2C. In FIG. 2G, the indicationdevice includes a body and a base (or foot) 283. The body is unitarilyformed to include a gap (such as seen in FIG. 2C), in which a lighting(LED) matrix or device 281 can be inserted. The LED matrix 281 can beilluminated based on the output configuration data specified by a user.The indication device 280, in this example, includes a light source(e.g., an LED strip) 285 that is positioned under the body and insertedwithin the foot 283 for providing lighting for the body and/or the LEDmatrix 281. The power source 287, illustrated herein as a port with awire, can provide power for the indication device 280 (e.g., providepower to the LED strip 285 and the LED matrix 281). In another example,the power source 287 can be an internal power source, such as arechargeable battery.

FIG. 2H illustrates an example of an indication device (such asdescribed in FIGS. 1 and 2A through 2G) that is positioned and fastenedto a roof of a vehicle. The illustration of FIG. 2H, shows theindication device being illuminated along the edge and on the film orLED matrix of the indication device. Depending on examples, theindication device can be illuminated in this fashion for a duration oftime in connection with a transport service. A user, in which atransport service has been arranged for, can be standing outside on astreet corner, for example, awaiting for pickup. The user may havespecified using the designated service application, a particular outputconfiguration—e.g., yellow lighting. When the vehicle approaches theuser, the driver can indicate via input “arriving now,” on his or herdriver device, thereby causing the indication device to output light inbased on the user's output configuration data, as seen in FIG. 2H.

In one example, the indication device can be illuminated in a defaultcolor (e.g., white) while the driver is providing transport or drivingto pick up a user (e.g., the indication device is in a “neutral state”).When the driver indicates “arriving now,” the indication device can fadeto the user's specified color (e.g., the indication device is in the“arrival state”). In addition, from this instance in time, as the driverwaits for the user to enter the vehicle, the illumination can pulse orperiodically fade in and fade out between the user's specified color andthe default color (e.g., slowly transition from white to yellow for 2seconds, maintain the yellow color for 0.5 seconds, and then transitionback to white for 2 seconds, etc.). While the driver waits, he or shehas not indicated that the transport service has yet begun. During thistime, the indication device can provide pulsating or transitioningillumination, as discussed (e.g., the indication device is in the“transition state”). After the user enters the vehicle, the indicationdevice can be illuminated back to the default color or maintained in theuser's specified color (e.g., the indication device is in a “transportstate”). When the transport service is completed and the driver arrivesat the user's destination, the driver can indicate on his or her device,“trip ended,” and the indication device can again perform atransitioning illumination operation or output the user's specifiedcolor for a duration of time as the user exits, such as 10 seconds(e.g., the indication device is in a “goodbye state”). In this manner,the indication device can provide the user with a personalizedexperience that gives the user the appearance of a transport servicethat is specifically tailored for that user.

FIGS. 2I and 2J illustrate example patterns that can be displayed orilluminated on an indication device. In the example illustrated in FIG.2I, the indication device is provided on a roof of a vehicle (near aperipheral edge of the roof) and near a door, indicating the point ofentry for the user for purposes of a transport service. The body of theindication device can include patterns that can be illuminated by thelight source based on a user's output configuration. In FIG. 2I, thepattern is a grid pattern that better illuminates the body in a colorspecified by the user. For example, when the indication device is toilluminate periodically (e.g., pulse from one color to another), thegrid pattern can enhance the illumination for the user along with theedge lighting. In another example, FIG. 2J illustrates fade pattern or agrid and fade pattern.

FIGS. 2K through 2O illustrate another example indication device, suchas described in FIG. 1. While the indication device illustrated in FIGS.2A through 2J is shaped to be positioned on top of a vehicle, forexample, the indication device 290 can be shaped to be positionedproximate to a window or windshield of the vehicle, such as illustratedin FIGS. 2M, 2N, and/or 2O.

Referring to FIG. 2K, the indication device 290 can have an overalllength, L, an overall width, W, and an overall height, H, with thelength being significantly greater than the width and the height, andthe width being greater than the height. The indication device 290 caninclude a base 291 and a body 293, which has a length that is shorterthan the overall length, L, but has a width and a height that is similarto the overall width, W, and the overall height, H, as the indicationdevice 290. The body 293 can include a façade or surface 294 thatextends along the length and the width of the body 293. This façade orsurface 294 can be composed of material that enables a light source(s)included in the body 293 (and/or the base 291) to illuminate at least aportion of the façade 294. For example, the façade 294 can include or becomposed of a diffusion film or a diffusion mask, and can be held inplace by a gasket that makes up at least a portion of a perimeter orhousing of the body 293. Depending on implementation, the façade 294 canalso have different patterns or textures to enhance the illuminationwhen light is emitted by the indication device 290.

The base 291 of the indication device 290 can be shaped to extend alongat least a portion of the length of the body 293 and at least a portionof the width of the body 293. In one example, the base 291 can have agreater length (and/or width) than the body 293, such as illustrated inFIG. 2L. The indication device 290 can also include one or morefastening mechanisms to enable the indication device 290 to adhere orfasten to a surface, so that the façade 294 faces the surface when theindication device 290 is attached to that surface. For example, in FIGS.2K and 2L, a first fastening mechanism 295 can be coupled to a first endportion of the base 291 (that extends further out lengthwise than thebody 293) and can be positioned adjacent to a first end portion of thebody 293, while a second fastening mechanism 297 can be coupled to asecond end portion of the base 291 (that also extends further outlengthwise than the body 293) and be positioned adjacent to a second endportion of the body 293. The fastening mechanisms 295, 297 can includeadhesives on their surfaces (e.g., tape, suction cups, sticky materialfor adhesion to glass, hook and loop fasteners, etc.) to enable theindication device 290 to adhere to a surface, such as an inner surfaceof a windshield 298 of a vehicle, such as illustrated in FIG. 2M. Byenabling the indication device 290 to be positioned in such a manner,light can be emitted or outputted from the façade 294 in the directiontoward the windshield 298.

Each of the fastening mechanisms 295, 297 can also include an attachmentmechanism(s) to couple to respective first end and second end portionsof the base 291 (see FIG. 2L). The attachment mechanisms, such asclasps, male-female mating mechanisms, and/or magnets, etc., can enablethe fastening mechanisms 295, 297 to detach from the base 291. In suchan example, the driver can first attach the indication device 290 to asurface of a window using the fastening mechanisms 295, 297, such asillustrated in FIG. 2M. When the driver is no longer using theindication device 290 and wants to put it away, for example, the drivercan grab the handle 292 (which extends from a rear surface of the base291) to take off the indication device 290 from the window. The twofastening mechanisms 295, 297 can remain adhered to the window whiledecoupling from the base 291, so that the base 291 and the body 293 ofthe indication device 290 can be removed from the window. In thismanner, the driver can easily and quickly attach and take off theindication device 290 from the window at the same position. Stillfurther, in some examples, only one fastening mechanism may be includedin the indication device. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2Kthrough 2M, however, having two fastening mechanisms 295, 297 canprovide additional balance and stability for the indication device 290when mounted or adhered to a surface of a window.

In some examples, at least one or more of the base 291, the body 293, orthe fastening mechanisms 295, 297 can include or house one or moreelectrical components (e.g., light source(s), device controllercircuitry, ports/interfaces, wires, electrical contacts, etc.). Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2L, the fastening mechanism 297 caninclude circuitry, such as a power and/or a data interface, to receivepower from a cable (or to house a power source) and/or to receive datafrom the computing device, such as a driver's device. The fasteningmechanism 297 can include a first power and/or data connection (e.g., afirst set of contacts) to mate with a second set of contacts 296 of thebase 291. In this manner, the fastening mechanism 297 can enable powerand/or data to be provided to the indication device 290 when connectedto the base 291 (e.g., when the base 291 and the body 293 are attachedor mounted, via the one or more fastening mechanisms 295, 297, to thesurface of a window).

As an addition or an alternative, different fastening mechanisms can beused to attach the indication device 290 to a vehicle. For example, inFIG. 2N, the indication device 290 may not have the set of fasteningmechanisms 295, 297, as described in FIGS. 2K through 2M, but insteadcan have one or more fastening mechanisms 299 a, 299 b that attach theindication device 290 to a peripheral edge or surface of the interior ofa vehicle so that the façade 294 faces and is proximate to the innersurface of the windshield. Each fastening mechanisms 299 a, 299 b cancorrespond to a set of magnets or a set of other coupling devices inwhich a first magnet or coupling device remains attached to theperipheral edge of the vehicle and a second corresponding magnet orcoupling device is coupled to the base 291 or the body 293 of theindication device 290. In this manner, when the indication device 290 isproperly attached to the peripheral edge of the vehicle, the indicationdevice 290 can be positioned with respect to the inner surface of thewindshield similar to the position of the indication device 290 asillustrated in FIG. 2M.

In another example, referring to FIG. 2O, the fastening mechanism 299 ccan be a hinge (or multiple hinges) that can attach to the peripheraledge or surface of the interior of a vehicle so that the façade 294faces and is proximate to the inner surface of the windshield. Thefastening mechanism 299 c can enable the indication device 290 to rotateabout its length to be hidden from view when not in use (e.g., rotateabout its length so that the façade 294 moves away from the innersurface of the windshield. In such examples, of FIGS. 2N and 2O, powerand/or data can be provided via the one or more fastening mechanisms 299a, 299 b, 299 c, or can be provided through a separate cable and/orwireless interface.

The indication device 290 can also be shaped in different ways,depending on variations. For example, the façade 294 of the indicationdevice 290 can be substantially flat or can have a slight curve alongits length, such as illustrated in FIG. 2M, so that the indicationdevice 290 can be substantially flush to a vehicle's windshield (whichis also slightly curved) when the indication device 290 is mounted oradhered to the inner surface of the windshield. In another example, thebase 291 and the body 293 can be composed of material that is at leastsemi-flexible (e.g., flexible plastics, rubber or rubber-like materials,etc.) so as to enable the indication device 290 to flex along itslength, width, and/or height.

Depending on implementation, the indication device 290 can have avariety of different light sources and/or different arrangements for thelight source(s). In one example, the indication device 290 can bebacklit using different light-producing devices, can include an array oflight elements, such as bulbs, light-emitting diodes (LEDs),light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), and/or can include adisplay device, such as a touch-sensitive display device, a LED display,an liquid crystal display (LCD) device, etc. Based on power and/orcontrol signals received from a computing device, such as the driver'sdevice, the indication device 290 can be illuminated in a particularmanner. In another example, the indication device 290 can bepre-programmed to illuminate in a particular manner when the indicationdevice 290 is turned on, without being connected to or withoutcommunicating with the driver's device or the transport personalizationsystem of FIG. 1.

For example, FIGS. 2P through 2R illustrate different illuminationarrangements and/or illumination sequences for an indication device,such as described with respect to FIGS. 1 through 2O. The examples shownin FIGS. 2P through 2R depict the front surface or façade (e.g., thefaçade 294 of the indication device 290 in FIG. 2K) with the façadefacing outwards from the inside of a vehicle. In such examples, theindication device 290 can be positioned to abut or be proximate to theinner surface of a windshield, such as near a lateral side of thepassenger-side of the interior of the vehicle. The arrows indicate, insome examples, the animation or sequence of illumination of theindication device. Such an animation or sequence of illumination can becaused by control signals from the driver's device (via the outputconfiguration specified by a user, such as described in FIG. 1) or canbe pre-programmed in a memory accessible by the device controller of theindication device 290. For example, such illumination sequences can bedisplayed when the driver is approaching the pickup location of the userand/or when the driver is waiting at the pickup location for the user toenter the vehicle. The illumination sequences can be repeated over andover until the indication device 290 is turned off or until the state ofthe transport service or driver changes.

Referring to FIG. 2P, the façade of the indication device 290 caninclude a printed pattern or design (e.g., markings on the façadeitself) or can display portions of the design when the light source(s)is illuminated underneath the façade (e.g., in the body 293). The designcan enhance the manner in which the indication device 290 isilluminated. In one example, the animation or sequence of illuminationcan be in a direction going from the bottom of the device to the top ofthe device so that portions of the façade can be illuminated atdifferent instances in time. In other implementations, the façade canhave or display other designs or no design.

In another example, in FIG. 2Q, the indication device 290 can enablediscrete portion(s) or segment(s) of the façade to be illuminated in aparticular animation or sequence. In this example, the direction of theillumination sequence can start by first illuminating the lightsource(s) in the middle area of the façade and then dynamically turningoff those light source(s) and illuminating the light source(s) towardspositioned above and below those light source(s), so that two portionsof the façade are illuminated at different instances in time. Stillfurther, in the example of FIG. 2R, the indication device 290 can beenabled to dynamically illuminate different portions of the façade byilluminating different light source(s) of an array and/or controllingthe brightness levels of the light source(s).

Methodology

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method for providing configurationinformation for controlling an indication device for use with anon-demand service. A method such as described by an example of FIG. 3can be implemented using, for example, components described with anexample of FIG. 1. Accordingly, references made to elements of FIG. 1are for purposes of illustrating a suitable element or component forperforming a step or sub-step being described.

Referring to FIG. 3, the on-demand service system can arrange for atransport service to be provided by a user (310). The user can provide atransport request using a designated service application on her deviceand the on-demand service system can programmatically select a driverfor that user. A transport personalization system that is a part of theon-demand service system and/or in communication with the on-demandservice system can determine that the transport has been arranged forthe user, and determine whether that user has specified an outputconfiguration for an indication device (320). For example, the transportpersonalization system can determine the arranged transport serviceinformation (e.g., get the trip identifier), determine a user ID forthat user, perform a lookup in a client user database for the user'sprofile using the user ID, and determine whether the user has specifiedin the profile a particular output configuration for personalizing thetransport.

If the user has specified an output configuration, the transportpersonalization system can retrieve or determine the outputconfiguration from the user's profile (360) and provide datacorresponding to the output configuration to the driver's device (370).For example, the transport personalization system can determine thedriver's identifier that is to provide the transport for the user fromthe arranged transport service information and identify the driver'sdevice. If the user has not specified an output configuration, on theother hand, the transport personalization system can provide a message(e.g., an in-app message) to the user's device prompting the user toprovide an output configuration for the indication device (330).

The prompt can indicate to the user that the user may specify the outputconfiguration if the user would like. The user can interact with thein-app message (e.g., that is displayed by the designated serviceapplication) in order to access the different configuration(s) that canbe selected by the user. If the user inputs the output configuration(340), the transport personalization system can receive and determinethe output configuration (360) and store the output configuration withthe user's profile for future use. The transport personalization systemcan then transmit the output configuration to the appropriate driverdevice (370).

If the user chooses not to input or select an output configuration, thetransport personalization system can determine that the default outputconfiguration is to be used by the driver (350). In that case, thetransport personalization system can transmit the default outputconfiguration to the driver device (370). As an alternative, thetransport personalization system does not transmit any outputconfiguration to the driver device, and the driver device automaticallyuses the default output configuration. The driver's device can use theoutput configuration to adjust the illumination and/or display of theindication device for purposes of providing personalized transportservices for the user (e.g., by providing control signals from thedriver's device to the indication device using a communicationinterface).

As an addition or an alternative, the system and/or the driver serviceapplication can determine the output configuration used to control theindication devices (e.g., without user control or preference). Forexample, the output configuration can be based on the current state ofthe transport service without taking into consideration user-specifiedcolors, patterns, or sequences of illumination. The driver serviceapplication can store the output configuration data with predeterminedtransport service/driver status information so that the driver serviceapplication can control the indication device when it detects a certainstate of the transport service or driver. In other examples where thesystem determines the state, the system can transmit predeterminedoutput configuration data to the driver device corresponding to thedetected state in order to cause the driver's device to control theindication device accordingly.

Still further, in some examples, the indication device can includememory that store pre-programmed data that controls the manner in whichthe indication device illuminates its façade or blade-like surfaces. Theindication device may receive state information from the driver deviceand the device controller of the indication device can control theillumination based on the received state information. In anotherexample, a connection between the indication device and the driver'sdevice may not be necessary as the indication device can illuminate in aspecified pre-programmed manner when the indicating device is turned on(such that the illumination is not based on user-specified preferencesor the state of the transport service).

User Interface

FIGS. 4A and 4B are example user interfaces depicting a serviceapplication that is operated on a computing device. The user interfaces400, 420, such as described in examples of FIGS. 4A and 4B,respectively, can be provided using, for example, components describedwith an example of FIG. 1. In one example, the user interface 400, 420can each correspond to a user interface that is displayed on a mobilecomputing device of a client device as part of a designated serviceapplication.

In FIG. 4A, a service application running on a client device can providea user interface to enable a user to update or modify the user's profile(or account) using the client device. The user can access the user'sprofile and make edits to the profile by interacting with the serviceapplication. In one example, the user can adjust one or more preferencesin the user's profile, such as sign (or output) preferences for anindication device. The user interface 400 can display a sign preferenceuser interface 410 in which the user can adjust one or more outputconfigurations for an indication device. For example, the user canadjust the color 413, the text (if any or if possible) 415, and/or thepattern 417 of the output configuration.

When the user selects the feature 413 to adjust or select the color, theuser interface 420 of FIG. 4B can be displayed on the client device. Theuser interface 420 can include a region 423 showing the current colorselected by the user and a selection bar 427 in which the user can movethe color indicator 425 to select the color. The selection bar 427 candisplay a spectrum of colors (e.g., from red to orange to yellow togreen to blue to violet, etc., and anything in between) from left toright, for example, and when the user moves the color indicator 425along the selection bar 427, the selected color can dynamically changein the region 423. The user can select any color from a full RBGspectrum. Once the user accepts the color by selecting a “accept”feature on the user interface 420 (not illustrated in FIG. 4B), the userinterface 400 can be displayed again to the user. The selected color canbe presented in the rectangular region of the feature 413 showing thecurrent selected color for the user. In addition, the user's configuredpreferences for the output configuration can be stored with the user'sprofile or account so that the transport personalization system canaccess the user's specific configuration without prompting the user. Theuser does not have to provide configuration information again unless theuser wants to make changes.

Although not illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the user opens orlaunches the service application on his or her client device at a latertime, the service application can also be tailored to the user'sselected color. For example, a welcome message in a badge graphic can beprovided on the display in the selected color, thereby providing theuser with a full personalized experience from the initial launching ofthe application to the transport service itself. The user can edit orchange the selected color at any time by accessing the user's profilefrom the client device or by logging in to the user's account fromanother device.

Hardware Diagram

FIG. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system upon whichexamples described herein may be implemented. For example, in thecontext of FIG. 1, the system 100 may be implemented using a computersystem such as described by FIG. 5. The system 100 may also beimplemented using a combination of multiple computer systems asdescribed by FIG. 5.

In one implementation, the computer system 500 includes processingresources 510, a main memory 220, a read-only memory (ROM) 530, astorage device 540, and a communication interface 550. The computersystem 500 includes at least one processor 510 for processinginformation and a main memory 520, such as a random access memory (RAM)or other dynamic storage device, for storing information andinstructions to be executed by the processor 510. The main memory 520also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediateinformation during execution of instructions to be executed by theprocessor 510. The computer system 500 may also include the ROM 530 orother static storage device for storing static information andinstructions for the processor 510. The storage device 540, such as asolid-state device, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, is provided forstoring information and instructions. For example, the storage device540 can correspond to a computer-readable medium that stores sign(output configuration) instructions 542 for performing operationsdiscussed with respect to FIGS. 1 through 4B. In another example, thestorage device 540 can store user and/or profiles or accounts, such asdiscussed with respect to FIGS. 1 through 4B. The processor 510 canperform a search of a database of user profiles or accounts to determinewhether a user has specified output configurations for controlling anindication device during the progress of a transport service, such asdescribed with FIGS. 1 through 2B.

The communication interface 550 can enable the computer system 500 tocommunicate with one or more networks 580 (e.g., cellular network)through use of the network link (wireless and/or using a wire). Usingthe network link, the computer system 500 can communicate with aplurality of devices, such as the mobile computing devices of theclients and service providers. According to some examples, the computersystem 500 can receive configuration information 552 from a clientdevice when the user provides a selection or configures the outputconfiguration for an indication device via the network link. Theprocessor 510 can associate the configuration information 552 with theuser's profile and store the configuration information in the storagedevice 540, for example, and provide the configuration information tothe driver's device if a transport service is arranged for that user. Ifa transport service is arranged for the user and a driver, the processor510 can identify the user's configuration information 552 from memory,for example, and transmit the configuration information 552 to thespecific driver's device. The driver's device can use the configurationinformation to control the illumination or display of the indicationdevice in possession of the driver.

The computer system 500 can also include a display device 560, such as acathode ray tube (CRT), an LCD monitor, or a television set, forexample, for displaying graphics and information to a user. An inputmechanism 570, such as a keyboard that includes alphanumeric keys andother keys, can be coupled to the computer system 500 for communicatinginformation and command selections to the processor 510. Othernon-limiting, illustrative examples of input mechanisms 570 include amouse, a trackball, touch-sensitive screen, or cursor direction keys forcommunicating direction information and command selections to theprocessor 510 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 560.

Examples described herein are related to the use of the computer system500 for implementing the techniques described herein. According to oneexample, those techniques are performed by the computer system 500 inresponse to the processor 510 executing one or more sequences of one ormore instructions contained in the main memory 520, such as the signinstructions 542. Such instructions may be read into the main memory 520from another machine-readable medium, such as the storage device 540.Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory520 causes the processor 510 to perform the process steps describedherein. In alternative implementations, hard-wired circuitry may be usedin place of or in combination with software instructions to implementexamples described herein. Thus, the examples described are not limitedto any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram that illustrates a mobile computing deviceupon which examples described herein may be implemented. In one example,a mobile computing device 600 may correspond to a mobile computingdevice, such as a cellular device that is capable of telephony,messaging, and data services. The mobile computing device 600 cancorrespond to a client device or a driver device. Examples of suchdevices include smartphones, handsets or tablet devices for cellularcarriers. The mobile computing device 600 includes a processor 610,memory resources 620, a display device 630 (e.g., such as atouch-sensitive display device), one or more communication sub-systems640 (including wireless communication sub-systems), input mechanisms 650(e.g., an input mechanism can include or be part of the touch-sensitivedisplay device), and one or more location detection mechanisms (e.g.,GPS component) 660. In one example, at least one of the communicationsub-systems 640 sends and receives cellular data over data channels andvoice channels.

The processor 610 is configured with software and/or other logic toperform one or more processes, steps and other functions described withimplementations, such as described by FIGS. 1 through 5, and elsewherein the application. The processor 610 is configured, with instructionsand data stored in the memory resources 620, to operate a serviceapplication as described in FIGS. 1 through 5. For example, instructionsfor operating the client service application (when the mobile computingdevice 600 corresponds to a client device) or the driver serviceapplication (when the mobile computing device 600 corresponds to adriver device) can be stored in the memory resources 620 of the mobilecomputing device 600.

The processor 610 can provide a variety of content to the display 630 byexecuting instructions and/or applications that are stored in the memoryresources 620. One or more user interfaces 615 can be provided by theprocessor 610, such as a user interface for the service application. Auser, for example, can operate a mobile computing device (such as themobile computing device 600) to operate a client service application.The GPS component 670 can determine location information, such as thecurrent location information 665 of the computing device 600. The usercan make a transport request using the location information 665, as apick up location, for example, and provide the transport request to theon-demand service system via the communication sub-systems 640. The usercan also operate a user interface 615 provided as part of the serviceapplication in order to input output configuration preferences of theuser. The configuration information 645 can be provided to the on-demandservice system and stored with the user's profile.

In another example, for a driver device, the memory resources 620 canstore data corresponding to the driver service application. The GPScomponent 670 can determine location information, such as the currentlocation information 665 of the computing device 600, and the operationof the driver service application can cause the location information 665to be periodically determined and communicated to the on-demand servicesystem (and/or the transport personalization system) via thecommunication sub-systems 640. In addition, for a driver device, thedriver service application can receive the configuration information 645(for a user that the driver is to provide transports service for) fromthe on-demand service system (and/or the transport personalizationsystem) and based on the configuration information 645, control anindication device (not shown in FIG. 6) that is connected (e.g., via awire or wirelessly) with the mobile computing device 600. While FIG. 6is illustrated for a mobile computing device, one or more examples maybe implemented on other types of devices, including full-functionalcomputers, such as laptops and desktops (e.g., PC).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram that illustrates an indication device uponwhich examples described herein may be implemented. For example, in thecontext of FIGS. 1 through 2R, an indication device may be implementedusing the device such as described by FIG. 7. The indication device 700can comprise a base and a body, and other housing features, such asdescribed in FIGS. 2A through 2R. The indication device 700 can alsoinclude within or as part of the base, the body, and/or the fasteningmechanisms, a controller 710, a communication interface 720, a lightsource(s) 730, and a power source 740.

The power source 740 provides power to the components of the indicationdevice 700. The power source 740 can be an internal power source, suchas a battery, and/or an external power source (e.g., provided by a powersource of the vehicle of the driver in possession of the indicationdevice 700 or the driver's device). The light source 730 can be one ormore individual light sources, an electroluminescence (EL) element(s),and/or a display device, as described with FIGS. 1 through 2R.

In some examples, the indication device 700 can receive control data 725via the communication interface 720 from a wirelessly connected (orconnected via wire) driver device (not shown in FIG. 7). The controldata 725 can be provided by the driver device in order to control theillumination and/or display of the indication device 700 based on theuser's specified output configuration information. For example, thecontrol data 725 can cause the controller 710 to illuminate the lightsource(s) 730 in a particular color, in a particular pattern, and/oroperate the light source(s) in different states as described, forexample, in FIGS. 1 through 2R. The indication device 700 can alsoinclude other components (not shown in FIG. 7), such as one or moreports or contacts, one or more sensors (e.g., an INU, a GPS receiver),speakers, one or more switches to turn on or off the indication device700, etc.

It is contemplated for examples described herein to extend to individualelements and concepts described herein, independently of other concepts,ideas or system, as well as for examples to include combinations ofelements recited anywhere in this application. Although examples aredescribed in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings,it is to be understood that the concepts are not limited to thoseprecise examples. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of theconcepts be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature describedeither individually or as part of an example can be combined with otherindividually described features, or parts of other examples, even if theother features and examples make no mentioned of the particular feature.Thus, the absence of describing combinations should not preclude havingrights to such combinations.

What is being claimed is:
 1. A method for configuring an indicationdevice, the method being performed by one or more processors of acomputing system and comprising: arranging a transport service for auser by (i) receiving a transport request from a user device operated bythe user, and (ii) selecting a driver to provide the transport servicefrom a plurality of drivers, each of the plurality of drivers beingassociated with a vehicle, a driver device, and an indication device;determining that the user has specified an output configuration for anindication device in an account of the user, the output configurationbeing configurable by the user; in response to determining that the userhas specified the output configuration, identifying, from a memoryresource accessible by the computing system, data corresponding to theoutput configuration specified by the user; and transmitting, over oneor more networks, the data to at least one of the driver device or theindicator device associated with the selected driver to configure howthe indication device of the driver operates when the driver is selectedfor the customer.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the outputconfiguration for the indication device specifies a user preference asto a manner in which the indication device is to output or emit light,including at least one of (i) one or more colors of light to beoutputted from the indication device, (ii) one or more patterns in whichlight is to be outputted from the indication device, or (iii) one ormore sequences of illumination in which light is to be outputted fromthe indication device so that different portions of the indicationdevice are illuminated at different instances of time.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: monitoring, at the computing system, thetransport service to determine a state of the transport service, whereinmonitoring the transport service includes receiving information from thedriver device; and wherein transmitting the data to the driver deviceincludes transmitting the data during a duration of the transportservice and before the driver arrives at a pickup location specified bythe user.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the driver device runs adriver application that communicates with the computing system over theone or more networks, the driver application being stored in a memoryresource of the driver device, and wherein the driver applicationcommunicates with the indication device, over a communication interface,with the indication device.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the driverapplication determines a state of the transport service of a pluralityof states, and wherein transmitting the data includes triggering thedevice of the driver to operate the driver application in order totransmit one or more control signals to the indication device based onthe state of the transport service.
 6. The method of claim 5, whereinthe driver application determines the state of the transport service byat least one or more of (i) receiving input from the driver operatingthe driver device, (ii) receiving one or more messages from thecomputing system over the one or more networks, or (iii) determining alocation of the driver device.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein theplurality of states of the transport service includes at least (i) thedriver traveling to a pickup location of the user, (ii) the driverdetermining that the driver is approaching the pickup location of theuser, (iii) the driver being positioned within a predetermined distanceof the pickup location, or (iv) the driver being positioned within thepredetermined distance of the pickup location and being stationary for apredetermined amount of time.
 8. An illumination device, comprising: abody having a length, a width, and a height, wherein the length isgreater than the width and the height, and the width is greater than theheight, wherein the body has a first façade extending along the lengthand the width; one or more light sources included in the body toilluminate at least a portion of the first façade; a base that iscoupled to the body and that extends along at least a portion of thelength of the body and at least a portion of the width of the body; oneor more fastening mechanisms to enable the illumination device to adhereto a surface such that the first façade of the body faces the surface; acommunication interface; and a controller device, coupled to the one ormore light sources and the communication interface, to receive data froma computing device via the communication interface and to control theone or more light sources based on the received data.
 9. Theillumination device of claim 8, wherein the base has a length that isgreater than the length of the body.
 10. The illumination device ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more fastening mechanisms includes (i) afirst fastening mechanism that is coupled to a first end portion of thebase and that is positioned adjacent to a first end portion of the body,and (ii) a second fastening mechanism that is coupled to a second endportion of the base and that is positioned adjacent to a second endportion of the body.
 11. The illumination device of claim 10, whereinthe first fastening mechanism and the second fastening mechanism areeach capable of decoupling from the base, and wherein the secondfastening mechanism includes the communication interface, the controllerdevice, and a set of connection mechanisms, and wherein the secondfastening mechanism couples to the second end portion of the base bymating with a corresponding set of connection mechanisms provided on thesecond end portion of the base.
 12. The illumination device of claim 11,wherein the second fastening mechanism includes a power source or apower port, the power source or the power port providing a power signalto the one or more light sources via the set of connection mechanismswhen the second fastening mechanism is coupled to the second end portionof the base.
 13. The illumination device of claim 8, wherein the firstfaçade of the body includes a diffusion film layer.
 14. The illuminationdevice of claim 8, wherein a first surface of the base is coupled to thebody such that the first façade of the body is exposed, and wherein thebase includes a handle that extends outward from the second surface ofthe base that opposes the first surface of the base.
 15. Theillumination device of claim 8, wherein the surface corresponds to awindow of a vehicle.
 16. The illumination device of claim 15, whereinthe body and the base are composed of semi-flexible material.
 17. Theillumination device of claim 15, wherein the body and the base have acurvature along the length of the body.
 18. An illumination device,comprising: a body having a length, a width, and a height, wherein thelength is greater than the width and the height, and the height isgreater than the width, wherein the body has a first façade extendingalong the length and the height and a second façade that opposes thefirst façade; one or more light sources to illuminate at least a portionof the body; a base that is coupled to the body and that extends alongat least a portion of the length of the body and at least a portion ofthe width of the body, the base including one or more fasteningmechanisms to enable the base to couple to a surface of a vehicle; acommunication interface; and a controller device, coupled to the one ormore light sources and the communication interface, to receive data froma computing device via the communication interface and to control theone or more light sources based on the received data.
 19. Theillumination device of claim 18, wherein the one or more light sourcesare included in the base, and wherein the body is positioned such thatthe one or more light sources illuminate at least a portion of the firstfaçade and at least a perimeter of the body.
 20. The illumination deviceof claim 18, wherein the data causes the controller device to control amanner in which the one or more light sources is to output or emitlight, including controlling at least one of (i) one or more colors oflight to be outputted from the illumination device, (ii) one or morepatterns in which light is to be outputted from the illumination device,or (iii) one or more sequences of illumination in which light is to beoutputted from the illumination device so that different portions of atleast the first façade are illuminated at different instances of time.